Designing Spaces That Spark Emotion

 

The world of interior design is one of constant creation. Every project, no matter how small, presents an opportunity to push boundaries and explore new aesthetics. Today, I want to share the journey of designing a powder room—a space that, despite its modest size, became one of the most exciting elements of a larger high-end residential project in London.

I have a deep appreciation for powder rooms. They allow for experimentation in ways that other rooms often do not. Their compact scale means that even the most extravagant finishes remain feasible, both spatially and financially. They are also places of fleeting interactions, making them perfect for bold statements and dramatic impact. In short, they are an interior designer’s playground.

 

The Client’s Vision: A Safe Starting Point

When I first discussed the powder room with my clients, their vision was elegant yet understated. They imagined a classic, refined space with timeless appeal—something harmonious with the rest of their home, but not necessarily adventurous. As a designer, my role is not only to translate my clients’ wishes into a beautiful reality but also to guide them towards ideas they may not have considered. So, while my initial proposal was true to their brief, I felt we could push the concept further.

To my delight, my clients were open to exploration. With each iteration, we edged closer to something extraordinary. The beauty of the design process is its fluidity; concepts evolve, sometimes in unexpected ways, and the final outcome often surpasses the original vision.

 

A Dramatic Turn: The Cave Concept

My approach to this home featured a recurring motif: the use of raw, unrefined stone. Instead of polished slabs, I proposed incorporating sections of stone in their natural state, embracing their rugged edges and irregularity. This inspired a daring idea for the powder room—what if we transformed it into a cave-like retreat?

The concept was mesmerising. Textured stone would envelop the walls, evoking the feeling of stepping into an ancient, secret hideaway. Given my clients’ love for entertaining, this bold design could create an unforgettable experience for their guests. To add an artistic twist, I took inspiration from the famous Altamira caves in Spain, known for their prehistoric paintings. Instead of cave paintings, I envisioned an array of framed photographs covering the walls, capturing moments from the homeowners’ lives and their closest friends and family.

 

Refining the Vision: Striking a Balance

As much as the clients adored the cave concept, they had understandable reservations. The grand scale of their home meant that a stone-clad space could feel too cold for London’s often grey and damp climate. It was essential to retain the theatrical essence while ensuring warmth and comfort.

This led us to rethink our approach. Rather than stone, we explored softer materials that could still evoke depth and texture. The final concept took a completely different direction: an organic, nature-inspired aesthetic that tied into a stunning feature elsewhere in the home—a cascading botanical chandelier in the stairwell. We decided to extend this motif into the powder room, creating an immersive environment where sculptural foliage elements would cascade from the ceiling, enveloping guests in a lush, intimate embrace.

 

The Final Touch: A Living Gallery

With the foundation in place, we revisited the idea of wall art. While covering the walls with family portraits was a beautiful concept, I wanted to elevate it further. We curated a collection of black-and-white photographs that would be displayed in an organised yet dynamic manner, almost as if the walls themselves were a visual narrative.

At one point, I even toyed with the idea of using framed close-ups of eyes—a concept that felt both intriguing and intense. While we ultimately opted for a more personal approach with family and friends, this moment in the design process highlighted the endless potential of creative exploration.

 

The Power of Play: Why Powder Rooms Are the Perfect Place to Experiment

This project reaffirmed something I have always believed: powder rooms are the ultimate canvas for bold design. Unlike living rooms or bedrooms, which require a balance of functionality and aesthetic restraint, powder rooms can afford to be daring. They are the hidden gems of a home, offering a moment of surprise and delight for both residents and guests alike.

 

In designing this space, we played with contrasts—natural textures against curated photography, organic elements against structured design. The result was not just a functional room but a sensory experience, a small but impactful expression of the homeowners’ personality and lifestyle.

 

The Journey of Design: Embracing the Process

This project was a reminder that great design is rarely a straight path. It requires iteration, exploration, and sometimes even stepping back before moving forward. While I initially envisioned a stone-clad cave, the final design spoke more deeply to the essence of the home and its owners.

 

If you’re considering a redesign, whether for a powder room or any other space, my advice is simple: play. Design should be an adventure, a journey of discovery. And if you ever feel stuck, remember—the best solutions often come from the boldest ideas.

 

If you enjoyed this insight into my design process and want more behind-the-scenes looks at how high-end interiors come to life, let me know! Would you like to see a series where I break down the design of different spaces? Let me know in the comments or reach out on social media. And if you’re dreaming of a beautifully designed home in London, let’s make it happen!